Carson outlines Democrats' 'mission'

Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Saturday lamented the United States being bogged down in Iraq, saying Democrats want to lead the nation in a new direction.

Carson, delivering the Democrats' weekly radio address, said Republican President George Bush was wrong five years ago when he declared the U.S. mission in Iraq accomplished and remains wrong now.

"For the last five years, the Iraqi government has failed to stand up and take responsibility for its own country," Carson said in a Democratic National Committee transcript of his speech. "All the while, hundreds of thousands of American troops are risking their lives refereeing a civil war thousands of miles from home."

"Sadly, President Bush continues to embrace a failed strategy in Iraq. This strategy has already cost our nation dearly, in lives and in dollars, and the price tag is only going up."

Carson said Democratic lawmakers will continue the work they've started in Congress by passing the tax rebate legislation.

"Democrats are also fighting for a second economic stimulus package and are working hard to enact comprehensive housing legislation that will help more Americans avoid foreclosure and hold on to the American Dream," he said.

"Democrats have a mission: strengthen the economy, invest in America, bring our troops home."

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